Jon Jones' Coach Laments Disrespect Shown Towards Stipe Miocic: 'Sometimes the Sport Has a Short Memory

Legendary MMA coach Mike Winkeljohn has spoken out against the disrespect being shown towards Stipe Miocic, the former UFC heavyweight champion.

Winkeljohn, who coaches current UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, said that he was "disappointed" by the way Miocic has been treated by some fans and media members since losing his title to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260.

"Stipe is one of the greatest heavyweights of all time," Winkeljohn said. "He's a two-time UFC champion and he's defended his title four times. He's a true warrior and he deserves more respect than he's getting right now."

Winkeljohn's comments come after Miocic was criticized by some for his performance against Ngannou.

Miocic was knocked out by Ngannou in the second round of their fight, and some fans and media members have suggested that he is no longer the same fighter he once was.

Winkeljohn disagrees with this assessment. He said that Miocic is still a "very dangerous" fighter and that he expects him to bounce back from his loss to Ngannou.

"Stipe is a tough guy," Winkeljohn said. "He's going to come back from this and he's going to be even better than he was before."

Miocic has not yet announced his next fight, but he has said that he plans to return to the Octagon later this year.

When he does return, he will likely be facing one of the top contenders in the UFC heavyweight division.

Ngannou is expected to defend his title against Derrick Lewis later this year, and the winner of that fight could be Miocic's next opponent.